BERLIN

Germany's likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, expressed skepticism Friday about deploying European troops in Ukraine yet also pledged continued financial support and weapons.

Speaking at the annual FAZ Congress, the conservative leader noted several uncertainties at present, particularly about US-Russia talks and Moscow's proposed conditions for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.

“I am against publicly discussing whether we could possibly give security guarantees to Ukraine through deploying troops in the county. I cannot imagine that we could do that today,” he said.

Merz, however, stressed that Germany's incoming coalition government between the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats would maintain robust financial support and weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

“There is some good news. This afternoon, immediately after the Bundesrat (upper house of parliament) decision, parliament's budget committee will meet and release €3 billion ($3.25 billion) for Ukraine. This funding has been requested since last year September but was held up due to the budget situation,” he said.

With this latest injection of €3 billion, Germany's total military assistance to Ukraine will reach €7 billion in 2025, solidifying Berlin's position as the leading European provider of military aid to Kyiv.

Earlier on Friday, the Bundesrat approved constitutional changes that will enable the incoming government to significantly boost defense spending and infrastructure investments.

Under these changes, Germany's strict fiscal rules will be eased, allowing borrowing for critical defense spending, intelligence service enhancement, IT system protection, and aid to states attacked in violation of international law.